23-Year-Old Arrested in Bennett Bodyguard Scuffle at Tel Aviv Rally

Political campaigning in Israel continues to heat up as the country approaches its next general election. Authorities detained a 23-year-old man from Givatayim on Saturday night following a confrontation involving security personnel assigned to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

The individual attempted to bypass the protective cordon surrounding Bennett during a rally held in Tel Aviv. The gathering focused on a call for an inquiry into the events that precipitated the October 7 attacks. Police reports indicate the man appeared to be intoxicated during the encounter.

Witnesses and police sources state that the suspect shouted 'Only Bibi' repeatedly while trying to reach Bennett and his staff. This phrase is a slogan of support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite instructions from the security detail to maintain distance, the man continued to press forward.

When a guard pushed him back to preserve the perimeter, the suspect did not comply with the order to step away. Instead, he engaged the guard directly and shoved him in retaliation. The altercation drew the immediate attention of law enforcement officers stationed at the park.

Following the physical contact, Bennett's security team restrained the man and held him at the location while notifying authorities. Police arrived shortly thereafter to take the suspect into custody. He was transported to a police station for standard questioning regarding the incident.

Investigators confirmed that the man has no prior criminal record. Authorities noted that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the confrontation. Police are currently examining the specific circumstances that led to the clash.

Bennett held the office of Prime Minister from June 2021 through June 2022 and currently leads the B'Yachad party. This incident occurs days ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections. Voting at military polling stations for IDF soldiers began earlier this week.